Media Production Operations Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Media Production Operations Director make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Media Production Operations Director in the United States is $145,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.

However, a Media Production Operations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,696
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,520 to $162,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,713
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View as table View as graph 25% $133,520 10% $122,713 90% $177,696 75% $162,300 $145,390 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Media Production Operations Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $162,300 $13,525 $3,121 $78
Average $145,390 $12,116 $2,796 $70
25th Percentile $133,520 $11,127 $2,568 $64
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Key Factors That Influence Media Production Operations Director Salaries

A Media Production Operations Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Media Production Operations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Media Production Operations Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $138,126
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $139,189
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $140,961
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $142,733
  • Expert (over 8 years): $145,895
Levels Salary
Entry Level Media Production Operations Director$138,126
Intermediate Level Media Production Operations Director$139,189
Senior Level Media Production Operations Director$140,961
Specialist Level Media Production Operations Director$142,733
Expert Level Media Production Operations Director$145,895
$138,126 0 yr
$139,189 < 2 yrs
$140,961 2-4 yrs
$142,733 5-8 yrs
$145,895 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Media Production Operations Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $183,380
  • San Francisco: $181,570
  • Oakland: $177,550

What Skills Can Increase a Media Production Operations Director's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 6.97% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Photoshop (Mentioned in 2.21% Job Postings): Photoshop is an image creation, graphic design and photo editing software developed by Adobe. It is used to demonstrate knowledge of image resolution, image size, and image file format for web, video, and print.
  • Advertising (Mentioned in 1.4% Job Postings): Advertising is a marketing communication that employs an openly sponsored, non-personal message to promote or sell a product, service or idea.:465 Sponsors of advertising are typically businesses wishing to promote their products or services. Advertising is differentiated from public relations in that an advertiser pays for and has control over the message. It differs from personal selling in that the message is non-personal, i.e., not directed to a particular individual.:661,672 Advertising is communicated through various mass media, including traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, outdoor advertising or direct mail; and new media such as search results, blogs, social media, websites or text messages. The actual presentation of the message in a medium is referred to as an advertisement, or "ad" or advert for short. Commercial ads often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through "branding", which associates a product name or image with certain qualities in the minds of consumers. On the other hand, ads that intend to elicit an immediate sale are known as direct-response advertising. Non-commercial entities that advertise more than consumer products or services include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations and governmental agencies. Non-profit organizations may use free modes of persuasion, such as a public service announcement. Advertising may also help to reassure employees or shareholders that a company is viable or successful.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 6.97%
Photoshop 2.21%
Advertising 1.4%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Media Production Operations Director's salary.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Publishing: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight
$159,929
10%
Analysis
$158,475
9%
Publishing
$158,475
9%
Continuous Improvement
$157,021
8%
Innovation
$155,567
7%
Accountability
$154,113
6%
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How Education impacts a Media Production Operations Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Media Production Operations Directors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Media Production Operations Director with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $145,380 and $154,630).

Media Production Operations Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Media Production Operations Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 19.1%
Associates 9.6%
Bachelors 55.0%
Masters 14.3%
Doctorate 1.2%
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Media Production Operations Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Media Production Operations Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Media Production Operations Director

Salaries for a Media Production Operations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $164,820 in 2023 to around $156,617 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Media Production Operations Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Media Production Operations Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$164,820
2024
$159,240
2025
$156,617
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $164,820
2024 $159,240
2025 $156,617
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Media Production Operations Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Media Production Operations Director

1. What rank is director of operations?

A director of operations is a high-ranking role that collaborates with various department managers, such as marketing, sales, and product management. This position typically reports to the COO or CEO. In terms of compensation, the salary for a Media Production Operations Director ranges from $141,100 to $181,920, with a midpoint of $158,310.

2. What is the difference between director and operations director?

The managing director holds ultimate decision-making authority and is responsible for high-level strategic decisions affecting the entire organization. In contrast, the operations director focuses on operational decisions, ensuring efficient processes and workflows. The salary for a Media Production Operations Director ranges from $141,100 to $181,920, with a midpoint of $158,310.

3. How much does a media production specialist make?

A Media Production Operations Director typically earns between $141,100 and $181,920 annually, with a median salary of $158,310. While specific salaries for media production specialists can vary, they generally earn less than directors, with top states offering hourly rates ranging from approximately $28 to $35.

4. What is the highest salary of a director of operations?

The highest salary for a Media Production Operations Director is $181,920, with a minimum salary of $141,100 and a mid-range salary of $158,310. This reflects a more specialized salary range compared to general Director of Operations roles, which typically see top earners making around $162,000.

5. Do you need a degree for media production?

A degree in film, communications, or journalism can offer a strong foundation in media production principles and technical skills. However, hands-on experience and a robust portfolio are crucial. For roles like Media Production Operations Director, salaries range from $141,100 to $181,920, with a median of $158,310, highlighting the value of expertise in the field.

6. How much does a director of operations make in the US?

The salary for a Media Production Operations Director in the US ranges from $141,100 to $181,920, with a midpoint of $158,310. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, with additional cash compensation potentially enhancing overall earnings.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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